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The prosecutor told the court the words of a worshipper, who said: “I feel I have been targeted because of my faith. I am a peaceful, law-abiding person who went to the mosque for prayer.”

Monica Lentin, defending, said: “Initially my client and his friends had gone out on their motorbikes in the vicinity of the mosque. They rode their bikes up and down. They didn't go out looking for any trouble.

“I think it's accepted by people in the mosque that somebody came out. He [Vines] didn't realise it was Ramadan.

“He said someone came out of the mosque and was actually aggressive to him. He just felt upset at the way he was spoken to.”

“He knew what he was doing but he didn't fully appreciate the hurt and upset of the people whose cars he threw the bacon at,” said Ms Lentin.

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She added: “It was kids making noise, being told off and my client taking exception.”

Vines admitted a charge of racially/religiously aggravated criminal damage. A further charge of criminal damage was dropped.

The court heard that Vines later went to speak with two people from Omar Faruque Mosque, which the defence described as “an extremely constructive and very helpful discussion”.

Ms Lentin said: “They accepted my client didn't intend to cause the harm he has. My client doesn't have and has not been brought up to have any hatred of anyone based on their colour, creed or anything else.”

She told the court Vines was “a good worker” and that he had come “top of the class” in his apprenticeship.

Ms Lentin said: “I invite you and your colleagues to consider dealing with this in such a way that will enable him to continue to do what he has been doing.”

The bench told Vines: “We accept the defence’s version of events. It wasn’t hate crime. We believe this was an act of immaturity.

“We have heard that you have made contact with the victims who have shown compassion towards yourself.”

Vines received a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £85 in costs, £25 compensation to each victim and a victim surcharge of £20.